About Us

For more than 35 years, Community Sharing Program has been extending a helping hand to people in need. Caring residents founded Community Sharing when a local lumber mill closed, forcing dozens of families into economic crisis.

Today, more than 5500 individuals rely on Community Sharing to help them meet their basic needs. Its food pantry, a member of the Oregon Food Bank system, provides eligible families with 3-5 days’ worth of food each month, including meat, produce, non-perishable items, breads, and dairy products (as available).

Recognizing the growth of the Latino population in South Lane County, Community Sharing was the first pantry in the state to offer Hispanic foods as part of its monthly selection. More than 80 families take advantage of this program, including some non-Hispanic households.

Community Sharing’s mission is to provide for South Lane County community members’ basic needs with support, life-skill tools, and other resources that promote self-sufficiency.

In addition to the goods and services it provides to families in need, Community Sharing also offers opportunities to participate in rewarding volunteer work in its food pantry, office, and community garden. More than 70 volunteers help keep the organization running smoothly year-round.

Eligibility for programs is based on gross income. Food boxes are available to individuals and families with monthly incomes no greater than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Most non-food programs require incomes not exceeding 125% of the FPL. Community Sharing does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, or nationality.

A 501(c)(3) public charity and United Way agency, Community Sharing relies on private donations, grants, and government contracts to fund its services, which include: